Cheers of "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol!" echoed through the streets of Seoul as approximately 100,000 protesters gathered for a rally demanding the president's ousting. However, the ruling People Power Party's boycott during the impeachment vote led to disappointment and resolve among the demonstrators, who plan to continue protests in pursuit of their goal.
Protesters Remain Hopeful Despite Impeachment Vote Failure in South Korea
Protesters Remain Hopeful Despite Impeachment Vote Failure in South Korea
Thousands gathered in Seoul for a spirited protest aimed at impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol, only to watch their hopes dashed as the ruling party boycotted the vote.
As lively music and colorful light sticks illuminated the scene outside Seoul's National Assembly, emotions ran high among the estimated 100,000 protesters rallying for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. With chants of "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol! Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol!" resonating in the air, the atmosphere felt almost celebratory despite the serious nature of their cause.
Four days after Yoon's controversial attempt to declare martial law, he made a televised apology just hours before the anticipated impeachment vote. However, this gesture failed to quell public discontent. Concurrent protests emerged across the city, with many urging Yoon's resignation, overshadowing a smaller group supporting him.
As the time for voting approached, the protesters gathered en masse outside the National Assembly, filling the main street with rows of people and colorful banners. The festive vibe was underscored by performances from musicians and lively protest anthems. Emotional speeches ignited passion among the crowd, echoing sentiments of frustration and determination to fight against perceived betrayal.
However, as voting unfolded inside, the mood shifted dramatically. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) announced a boycott, leaving the opposition short by eight votes. Many in the crowd watched in disbelief as opposition lawmakers attempted to prevent PPP members from exiting.
Within the gathering, many expressed their disillusionment. "The freedom of democracy is crumbling because of just one man," lamented one protester, while another vowed unwavering resistance until the president faced accountability.
As protest leaders urged attendees to encircle the National Assembly, exuberance momentarily returned when a PPP member returned to vote in favor of impeachment. Yet, this was fleeting—reports quickly confirmed his opposition to the motion, and soon PPP lawmakers were absent from the vote entirely.
By nightfall, the festive rally turned somber as the Speaker of the Assembly announced the impeachment proposal would not advance. Disheartened silence fell upon the crowd as many wept, heartbroken over the apparent defeat.
In spite of the setback, protest leaders implored the crowd not to lose hope. They vowed to continue striving for Yoon's removal, reaffirming public support for impeachment with recent polling indicating three-quarters of South Koreans favor the president's ousting.
As the protest concluded, people began to disperse amid a mix of sorrow and determination, with further demonstrations scheduled for the coming days, signaling that the fight against President Yoon's administration is far from over.
